Gas SafetyHow to connect and disconnect a gas cylinder safely
Simple steps for 9, 14, 19 and 48 kg LPG cylinders. Take your time: gas is safe when you handle it correctly.
We connect it for you: FREE
Our driver can connect your cylinder and do a free leak test. Tick the free connection box when you order, or ask the driver on the day.
Please note: we connect the cylinder to your regulator and leak-test that connection only. We are not responsible for appliances, regulators, hoses, pipes or installations that NeedGas did not sell, supply or install. Fixed installations (gas geysers, built-in hobs and 48 kg systems) must be installed by a registered LP gas installer, who issues a Certificate of Conformity (CoC).
Your regulator
It screws onto the side of the cylinder valve. It has a left-hand thread: turn it LEFT ↺ (anti-clockwise) to tighten, and RIGHT ↻ (clockwise) to loosen. For home appliances, use a 2.8 kPa low-pressure regulator (SANS 1237).
Usually two 48 kg cylinders outside, piped to the house. A registered LP gas installer must install these. We deliver and swap the cylinders only.
Not sure if your regulator is right? WhatsApp us a photo and we will tell you.
Connecting a cylinder
1Get ready
- Work outside, or in a room with good airflow.
- No flames, cigarettes or sparks nearby.
- Turn all appliance knobs OFF.
- Stand the cylinder upright on flat, firm ground.
2Check everything
- Find the test date on the collar. Do not use the cylinder if it is out of date.
- No bad rust, dents or leaks.
- The rubber seal in the regulator is in place and not cracked.
- The hose is not cracked or hard. Replace it at least every 5 years.
3Remove the cap
Check that the valve is closed. Then remove the plastic seal or dust cap from the valve outlet.
4Fit the regulator
Hold the regulator straight against the valve outlet. Turn it LEFT ↺ (anti-clockwise) by hand until it is firm. If it has a nut, give it a gentle final turn with a spanner. Do not force or over-tighten it.
5Open the valve slowly
Turn the handwheel on top of the cylinder LEFT ↺ (anti-clockwise), slowly.
6Test for leaks
- Mix dishwashing liquid with water.
- Brush it onto every joint: the valve, the regulator and both ends of the hose.
- Bubbles mean a leak. Close the valve, tighten the joint and test again.
- Still bubbling? Close the valve, do not use the cylinder, and WhatsApp us.
- Never use a flame to test for leaks.
7Light the appliance
No bubbles? You are ready. Light the appliance as its instructions describe.
Disconnecting a cylinder
1Turn everything off
Turn the appliance OFF. Then close the valve: turn the handwheel RIGHT ↻ (clockwise) until it stops.
2Remove the regulator
Turn the regulator RIGHT ↻ (clockwise) to loosen it. It has a left-hand thread, so this is the opposite of a normal screw.
3Cap it and store it
Put the dust cap back on. Keep the cylinder upright, outside and in the shade, away from drains and heat, until we collect it.
If you smell gas
!Act immediately
- Close the cylinder valve, if you can reach it safely.
- Put out all flames and cigarettes. Do not switch anything on or off.
- Open doors and windows, and get everyone outside.
- From outside, call 112 (or the fire brigade on 10177). Then WhatsApp NeedGas.
Golden rules
- Keep cylinders upright, full or empty.
- Indoors: no more than 19 kg of gas in a house, and 9 kg in a flat. Never keep cylinders in a cellar or basement.
- Outdoors: keep cylinders away from doors, windows, drains and anything that can spark (see the distances below).
- Use only SANS-approved regulators and LPG hoses, no longer than 2 m. Replace the hose at least every 5 years.
- Never paint over or remove cylinder markings, and never repair a valve yourself.
- Fixed installations need a registered installer and a Certificate of Conformity (CoC).
Rules and regulations in South Africa
A short summary of the national rules for LPG at home (SANS 10087-1). Tap a topic to read it.
How much gas may I keep inside?
- House (including cluster and townhouses up to two storeys): no more than 19 kg in total. For example, one 19 kg cylinder, or two 9 kg cylinders.
- Flat: no more than 9 kg in total.
- This includes the cylinder inside a gas heater or stove.
- 48 kg cylinders must stay outside.
Where may a cylinder stand inside?
- In a room or cupboard with permanent airflow, such as an air brick, vents or a slatted door.
- No plug points, switches or other electrical connections in the same cupboard.
- Not directly under a gas hob.
- Never in a cellar, basement or anywhere below ground level: LPG is heavier than air and collects in low places.
- No fixed gas installation inside a garage.
- The hose may not pass through a wall or partition.
Where may cylinders stand outside?
- At least 1 m sideways from doors and windows.
- At least 3 m below a window above the cylinder, unless there is a non-combustible roof in between.
- At least 2 m from drains, manholes and air vents.
- At least 5 m from plug points, switches, distribution boards, pool pumps, motors and generators.
- At least 1 m from the boundary wall (for up to two cylinders), unless the wall is a fire wall.
- On a firm, level base, upright, and out of reach of children.
Hoses, regulators and cylinders
- Use an approved LPG hose of no more than 2 m. Replace it at least every 5 years, or sooner if it is cracked or hard.
- Use a SANS-approved regulator (2.8 kPa for home appliances). Replace it if it is rusted or damaged.
- Cylinders are pressure-tested about every 10 years. The test date is stamped on the collar. Never use an out-of-date cylinder.
Do I need a Certificate of Conformity (CoC)?
- Yes, for any fixed gas installation: built-in stoves and hobs, gas geysers, fireplaces and piped 48 kg systems.
- Only a registered LP gas installer (registered with SAQCC Gas / LPGAS) may install it and issue the CoC.
- You need a new CoC after a new installation, after any change to it, and when the property is sold.
- Have the installation inspected at least every 5 years. Many insurers ask for a valid CoC, and a claim can be refused without one.
Where do these rules come from?
The national standard SANS 10087-1 (LPG installations: the 2024 edition replaces the 2013 edition), and the Pressure Equipment Regulations under the Occupational Health and Safety Act. Your local municipality and fire department may add their own rules.
This is a plain-language summary to help you stay safe. It is not legal advice. For a fixed installation, or if you are unsure, ask a registered LP gas installer.
Order gas: we connect and leak-test for freeThis is general safety advice. Always follow the instructions from the maker of your appliance and regulator. Not sure? Do not connect the cylinder: ask our driver or a registered LP gas installer.